For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. – 1 Corinthians 15:53 (ESV)
There are times in our lives where we welcome change: marriage, having a child, getting a job, or moving to a new house. There is usually quite a bit of excitement prior to the change and (in some cases at least), there is quite a bit of excitement after the change.
Having spent time with people that are more advanced in years (and by listening to my wife who works in a nursing home), aging is not an exciting event for our bodies. Parts don’t work like they used to and when they do, it hurts. Even if are still young, our bodies are frail, corruptible, and always wanting to be satisfied.
I look forward to my new body. Paul spends a good part of this chapter on the subject of these resurrected bodies. I wish he’d make it clear if I’ll be able to fly…
At the end of 1 Cor 15, there is an interesting point. Through Christ, we will eventually triumph over death. In light of this victory, we are to hold fast, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord (v 58). So my broken body is to be used to glorify God with my labor now and my new body will glorify the Lord then.
Now I live in light of what he is going to give me. The victory has been won for us, but, for a time, we still have these perishable robes. May our perishable robes serve our Lord to their fullest strength. (Until we receive something bit more substantial.)
